11 replies to this topic

[kiwi topcat]

Hi all yesterday my gold 3ohm coil died been in 3 years when electronic ignition fitted

it was mounted horizontal BUT being oil filled it should be mounted vertical is this correct

[nicklouse]

Makes no difference.

[kiwi topcat]

why then 3 years minimal use and coil dead

[timmy850]

They don’t make them like they used to… just thinking nearly all mini coils were factory mounted horizontally, only a few Australian ones I can think of were vertical

[imack]

why then 3 years minimal use and coil dead

Most modern coils are Chinese tat, done well to get 3 years out of it.

[Steam]

Ign left on.
Coil not matched to ign.
Cheap built coil.
You do get what you pay for generally with coils.

[mab01uk]

Distributor Doctor say they now have a top quality 12 volt coil made by LUCAS in India but not tried one yet.....

https://www.distribu...tion-coils.html

 

 

[68+86auto]

The reason it failed is likely because of the low quality of the coils available now. Make sure it is solidly mounted with both bolts, not missing one like a mini I see which kills coils. The electronic ignition should not damage a coil unlike points although anything can happen with cheap parts.

 

I have seen discussions about the position and I suspect the orientation does matter. The coils aren't 100% full of oil and the new ones probably have less (possibly leaks out too) which means part of the windings can be out of the oil which cools it. Many vehicles however did originally have them "upside down". Apparently when a coil is mounted horizontally the terminals should be horizontal to each other not vertical otherwise the top ones wire could be out of the oil internally. Some of the faulty coils I have seen seemed to slosh when shaken more than old ones suggesting being low on oil.

 

I work on a mini which kills coils, I have multiple reasons for it. The longest lasting coil has been a non oil filled coil, it probably only failed due to the worn out distributor which won't be the case with an electronic setup.

Edited by 68+86auto, 22 August 2023 - 02:00 AM.

[sonscar]

Perhaps not mounting it on the engine may pay dividends now they seem so fragile?Steve..

[coopertaz]

always ran horizontal off head but too had issues with gold or lucas sport coils on electronic ignition, someone will probably corect me but pretty sure coil resistance for elctronic ignition is also diferent to ballast and non ballast. bought coil and ignition unit from same supplier as a pair no more issues.

[nicklouse]

Coil and dizzy info https://www.theminif...tributor-types/

but remember if not using standard part you will need to refer to the maker of the system fitting.

[68+86auto]

always ran horizontal off head but too had issues with gold or lucas sport coils on electronic ignition, someone will probably corect me but pretty sure coil resistance for elctronic ignition is also diferent to ballast and non ballast. bought coil and ignition unit from same supplier as a pair no more issues.

it depends on the type of electronic ignition. The points replacements ones normally still use a 3ohm coil.